Helmerich & Payne, Inc. Announces First Quarter Results

Published 6:00 AM ET Thu, 28 Jan 2016
Globe Newswire

TULSA, Okla., Jan. 28, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helmerich & Payne, Inc. (NYSE:HP) reported net income of $16 million ($0.15 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $488 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared to net income of $204 million ($1.86 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $1.06 billion during the first quarter of fiscal 2015, and net loss of $28 million (negative $0.25 per diluted share) from operating revenues of $554 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. Included in net income per diluted share for both this year’s first fiscal quarter and last year’s first fiscal quarter are approximately $0.10 and $0.07, respectively, in after-tax income related to a combination of select items as described in a separate section of this press release. Included in net loss per diluted share for last year’s fourth fiscal quarter are approximately $0.29 in after-tax losses related to a combination of select items.

President and CEO John Lindsay commented, “Our first fiscal quarter results were better than expected primarily as a result of significantly reduced daily rig expenses in our U.S. Land segment. Unfortunately, as very low oil and gas prices force our customers to further reduce their drilling budgets, the U.S. land industry rig count has now declined to levels not seen since 1999. Although the market isn’t expected to improve in the second fiscal quarter, we will continue to work on cost-effective measures across the organization while strengthening our ability to add value for our customers through innovation and productivity enhancements.

“Given our unparalleled experience designing, building, operating and maintaining AC drive land rigs, we have the distinct advantage of being able to continuously upgrade our already best-in-class rigs to meet the needs of more complex well designs. This continuous learning and improvement culture, along with our relentless focus on customer service, should allow us to further help our customers reduce their total cost per well.

“With a very strong and liquid balance sheet, a firm backlog of term contracts and the flexibility to significantly reduce spending levels during a soft market, our approach to capital allocation will remain prudent and should allow us to effectively manage our business through this downturn and emerge from it with even greater competitive advantages.”

The Company also announced today that starting October 1, 2015 and during the quarter ended December 31, 2015, the Company eliminated a legacy one-month lag period between its U.S. fiscal year and its foreign subsidiaries’ fiscal years. In the past and for financial reporting purposes, fiscal years for the Company’s foreign operations ended on August 31 instead of September 30 to facilitate reporting of consolidated results. While the previous method is considered acceptable, the Company believes this voluntary change in accounting principle is preferable because it provides the most current level of information available. As required, the Company is applying the elimination of the one-month lag retrospectively to all periods presented herein. The corresponding net impact on the first quarter of fiscal 2015 was an increase in net income of less than $1 million. The net impact on the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 was an increase in net loss of approximately $6 million, which was primarily attributable to long-term contract early termination compensation revenue that shifted to the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

Operating Segment Results

Segment operating income for the Company’s U.S. land operations was $56 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared with $318 million for last year’s first fiscal quarter and $34 million for last year’s fourth fiscal quarter. As compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, the increase in segment operating income was primarily attributable to a higher rig margin per day average as well as the absence of non-cash abandonment charges during the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The number of quarterly revenue days decreased sequentially by 11.5% to 11,945 days. Excluding the impact of $2,482 and $2,417 per day corresponding to revenues from early contract terminations during last year’s fourth fiscal quarter and this year’s first fiscal quarter, respectively, the average rig revenue per day increased sequentially by $16 to $26,234, and the average rig margin per day increased sequentially by $949 to $13,344. The average rig expense per day decreased sequentially by $933 to $12,890. Rig utilization for the segment was 39% for this year’s first fiscal quarter, compared with 89% and 43% for last year’s first and fourth fiscal quarters, respectively. At December 31, 2015, the Company’s U.S. land segment had approximately 131 contracted rigs generating revenue (including 101 under long-term contracts) and 214 idle rigs.

Segment operating income for the Company’s offshore operations was $7.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2016, compared with $21.7 million for last year’s first fiscal quarter and $12.6 million for last year’s fourth fiscal quarter. The sequential decrease in operating income was mostly attributable to a decline in the average rig margin per day, which decreased from $13,296 to $7,920. Quarterly revenue days remained flat sequentially at 736 days during the first fiscal quarter.

The Company’s international land operations reported a segment operating loss of $6.7 million for this year’s first fiscal quarter, compared with operating income of $10.6 million for last year’s first fiscal quarter and an operating loss of $47.2 million for last year’s fourth fiscal quarter. The sequential decrease in operating loss was mostly attributable to the absence of impairment and other non-cash charges during the first fiscal quarter which was somewhat tempered by a currency exchange loss of $8.5 million primarily due to the devaluation of the Argentine Peso in December 2015. The sequential decline in operating loss was also attributable to an increase in the average rig margin per day. Excluding the impact of $3,128 per day corresponding to charges related to an allowance for doubtful accounts during last year’s fourth fiscal quarter, the average rig margin per day increased sequentially from $8,129 to $11,811. The number of quarterly revenue days decreased sequentially by approximately 12% to 1,411 days.

Drilling Operations Outlook for the Second Quarter of Fiscal 2016

In the U.S. land segment, the Company expects revenue days (activity) to decrease by roughly 20% during the second fiscal quarter as compared to the first fiscal quarter of 2016. Excluding any impact from early termination revenue, the average rig revenue per day is expected to be roughly flat, as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016, and the corresponding average rig expense per day is expected to increase to roughly $13,600. As of today, the U.S. land segment has approximately 121 contracted rigs that are generating revenue (including 93 under term contracts) and 226 idle rigs.

In the offshore segment, the Company expects the average rig margin per day to be approximately $8,250 during the second fiscal quarter of 2016 and revenue days to decrease by approximately 5% to 10% as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016.

In the international land segment, the Company expects revenue days to decline by roughly 5% to 10% as compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2016. The average rig margin per day is expected to be roughly $7,500 during the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Select Items Included in Net Income (or Loss) per Diluted Share

Included in net income per diluted share corresponding to the first quarter of fiscal 2016 are approximately $0.10 in after-tax income related to a combination of the following: $0.17 of after-tax gains from long-term contract early termination compensation from customers; $0.03 of after-tax gains related to the sale of used drilling equipment; $0.05 of after-tax losses related to a currency exchange loss; and a negative $0.05 impact on income tax expense primarily due to a fiscal 2015 adjustment to the Domestic Production Deduction that resulted from a U.S. tax law change in December 2015 extending bonus depreciation allowances that had expired December 31, 2014.

Included in net income per diluted share corresponding to the first quarter of fiscal 2015 are approximately $0.07 in after-tax income related to a combination of the following: $0.14 of after-tax gains from long-term contract early termination compensation from customers; $0.02 of after-tax gains related to the sale of used drilling equipment; and a negative $0.09 impact on income tax expense primarily due to a fiscal 2014 adjustment to the Domestic Production Deduction that resulted from a U.S. tax law change in December 2014 extending bonus depreciation allowances that had expired December 31, 2013.

Included in net loss per diluted share corresponding to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 are approximately $0.29 in after-tax losses related to a combination of the following: $0.20 of after-tax gains from long-term contract early termination compensation from customers; $0.02 of after-tax gains related to the sale of used drilling equipment; $0.03 of after-tax losses related to an allowance for doubtful accounts; $0.18 of after-tax losses from abandonment charges related to the decommissioning of certain (SCR) land rigs and other used drilling equipment; $0.23 of after-tax losses from impairment charges for certain (SCR) land rigs; and a negative $0.07 impact on income tax expense due primarily to limitations on foreign income tax credits.

About Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is primarily a contract drilling company. As of January 28, 2016, the Company’s existing fleet includes 347 land rigs in the U.S., 38 international land rigs, and nine offshore platform rigs. In addition, the Company is scheduled to deliver another three new H&P-designed and operated FlexRigs®*, all under long-term contracts with customers. Upon completion of these commitments, the Company’s global fleet is expected to have a total of 388 land rigs, including 373 AC drive FlexRigs.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and such statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the registrant’s future financial position, operations outlook, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. For information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with the Company's business, please refer to the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the Company's SEC filings, including but not limited to its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. As a result of these factors, Helmerich & Payne, Inc.'s actual results may differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements. We undertake no duty to update or revise our forward-looking statements based on changes in internal estimates, expectations or otherwise, except as required by law.

*FlexRig® is a registered trademark of Helmerich & Payne, Inc.

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.

Unaudited

(in thousands, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

September 30

December 31

2015(As adjusted)

2015

2014(As adjusted)

Operating Revenues:

Drilling – U.S. Land

$

420,393

$

369,805

$

890,047

Drilling – Offshore

52,280

41,880

69,887

Drilling – International Land

78,069

72,194

96,673

Other

3,058

3,968

4,180

$

553,800

$

487,847

$

1,060,787

Operating costs and expenses:

Operating costs, excluding depreciation

326,274

276,644

559,463

Depreciation

174,594

142,129

138,232

Asset Impairment Charge

39,242

-

-

General and administrative

37,728

32,074

32,736

Research and development

3,760

2,919

4,158

Income from asset sales

(3,015

)

(4,589

)

(4,173

)

578,583

449,177

730,416

Operating income (loss)

(24,783

)

38,670

330,371

Other income (expense):

Interest and dividend income

1,393

733

295

Interest expense

(5,697

)

(4,524

)

(590

)

Other

(989

)

(261

)

314

(5,293

)

(4,052

)

19

Income (loss) from continuing operations

before income taxes

(30,076

)

34,618

330,390

Income tax provision

(2,486

)

18,720

126,767

Income (loss) from continuing operations

(27,590

)

15,898

203,623

Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes

(6

)

104

(15

)

Income tax provision

-

-

-

Income (loss) from discontinued operations

(6

)

104

(15

)

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$

(27,596

)

$

16,002

$

203,608

Basic earnings per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

(0.25

)

$

0.15

$

1.87

Income from discontinued operations

$

-

$

-

$

-

Net income

$

(0.25

)

$

0.15

$

1.87

Diluted earnings per common share:

Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

(0.25

)

$

0.15

$

1.86

Income from discontinued operations

$

-

$

-

$

-

Net income

$

(0.25

)

$

0.15

$

1.86

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

107,740

107,852

107,973

Diluted

107,740

108,409

108,843

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.

Unaudited

(in thousands)

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

December 312015

September 302015(As adjusted)

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

$

848,230

$

729,384

Short term investments

47,708

45,543

Other current assets

572,289

656,170

Current assets of discontinued operations

8,449

8,097

Total current assets

1,476,676

1,439,194

Investments

85,276

104,354

Net property, plant, and equipment

5,530,817

5,563,170

Other assets

37,505

40,524

TOTAL ASSETS

$

7,130,274

$

7,147,242

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities

$

405,480

$

344,820

Current liabilities of discontinued operations

3,310

3,377

Total current liabilities

408,790

348,197

Non-current liabilities

1,393,384

1,406,036

Non-current liabilities of discontinued operations

5,139

4,720

Long-term notes payable

492,668

492,443

Total shareholders’ equity

4,830,293

4,895,846

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

7,130,274

$

7,147,242

HELMERICH & PAYNE, INC.

Unaudited

(in thousands)

Three Months Ended

December 31

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

2015

2014(As adjusted)

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net income

$

16,002

$

203,608

Adjustment for (income) loss from discontinued operations

(104

)

15

Income from continuing operations

15,898

203,623

Depreciation

142,129

138,232

Changes in assets and liabilities

146,239

48,602

Gain on sale of assets

(4,589

)

(4,173

)

Other

8,415

7,040

Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing operations

308,092

393,324

Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations

104

(15

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

308,196

393,309

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Capital expenditures

(114,470

)

(369,981

)

Purchase of short-term investments

(6,918

)

-

Proceeds from sale of assets

6,058

7,160

Proceeds from sales of short-term investments

4,600

-

Net cash used in investing activities

(110,730

)

(362,821

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Dividends paid

(74,560

)

(74,822

)

Repurchase of common stock

-

(59,654

)

Debt issuance costs

(32

)

-

Exercise of stock options, net of tax withholding

(59

)

(2,062

)

Tax withholdings related to net share settlements of restricted stock

(3,617

)

(4,248

)

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

(352

)

2,723

Net cash used in financing activities

(78,620

)

(138,063

)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

118,846

(107,575

)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period, restated

729,384

360,307

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

848,230

$

252,732

SEGMENT REPORTING

Three Months Ended

September 30

December 31

2015(As adjusted)

2015

2014(As adjusted)

(in thousands, except days and per day amounts)

U.S. LAND OPERATIONS

Revenues

$

420,393

$

369,805

$

890,047

Direct operating expenses

219,700

181,541

441,126

General and administrative expense

15,984

12,373

11,715

Depreciation

151,056

120,359

119,077

Segment operating income

$

33,653

$

55,532

$

318,129

Revenue days

13,490

11,945

27,355

Average rig revenue per day

$

28,700

$

28,651

$

29,457

Average rig expense per day

$

13,823

$

12,890

$

13,046

Average rig margin per day

$

14,877

$

15,761

$

16,411

Rig utilization

43

%

39

%

89

%

OFFSHORE OPERATIONS

Revenues

$

52,280

$

41,880

$

69,887

Direct operating expenses

35,738

30,293

44,475

General and administrative expense

1,049

862

826

Depreciation

2,877

3,003

2,924

Segment operating income

$

12,616

$

7,722

$

21,662

Revenue days

736

736

809

Average rig revenue per day

$

31,422

$

27,539

$

55,341

Average rig expense per day

$

18,126

$

19,619

$

34,609

Average rig margin per day

$

13,296

$

7,920

$

20,732

Rig utilization

89

%

89

%

98

%

INTERNATIONAL LAND OPERATIONS

Revenues

$

78,069

$

72,194

$

96,673

Direct operating expenses

69,784

64,008

73,923

General and administrative expense

892

718

516

Depreciation

15,383

14,133

11,673

Asset impairment charge

39,242

-

-

Segment operating income (loss)

$

(47,232

)

$

(6,665

)

$

10,561

Revenue days

1,608

1,411

2,069

Average rig revenue per day

$

43,660

$

46,031

$

40,844

Average rig expense per day

$

38,659

$

34,220

$

30,502

Average rig margin per day

$

5,001

$

11,811

$

10,342

Rig utilization

45

%

40

%

60

%

Operating statistics exclude the effects of offshore platform management contracts, gains and losses from translation of foreign currency transactions, and do not include reimbursements of “out-of-pocket” expenses in revenue per day, expense per day and margin calculations.

Reimbursed amounts were as follows:

U.S. Land Operations

$

33,225

$

27,571

$

84,262

Offshore Operations

$

11,710

$

6,331

$

5,732

International Land Operations

$

7,863

$

7,244

$

12,167

Segment operating income for all segments is a non-GAAP financial measure of the Company’s performance, as it excludes general and administrative expenses, corporate depreciation, income from asset sales and other corporate income and expense. The Company considers segment operating income to be an important supplemental measure of operating performance for presenting trends in the Company’s core businesses. This measure is used by the Company to facilitate period-to-period comparisons in operating performance of the Company’s reportable segments in the aggregate by eliminating items that affect comparability between periods. The Company believes that segment operating income is useful to investors because it provides a means to evaluate the operating performance of the segments and the Company on an ongoing basis using criteria that are used by our internal decision makers. Additionally, it highlights operating trends and aids analytical comparisons. However, segment operating income has limitations and should not be used as an alternative to operating income or loss, a performance measure determined in accordance with GAAP, as it excludes certain costs that may affect the Company’s operating performance in future periods.

The following table reconciles operating income per the information above to income from continuing operations before income taxes as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands).